Tracing its roots back to the respected and venerable Mossberg 500, the 590A1 keeps the core of what makes the 500-series of shotguns so great and makes it even better. The U.S. military put out a request for a more durable pump-action shotgun that could stand up to the rigors of hard field use, and the 590A1 was born. Mossberg responded by adding a tough parkerized finish, all metal trigger guard, thick-walled barrel, and stronger internals. It is an intuitive and easy to use pump-gun, but it is a bit on the heavy side due to the aforementioned features. The extra weight helps tame the harsh recoil of the 12 gauge round, making the shooting experience a little more pleasant. The ambidextrous tang safety makes the gun easy for all users to operate the gun. Its wide aftermarket also allows you to tailor the gun to your specific wants and needs. While the 590A1 isn’t the smoothest or lightest shotgun out there, it is an absolute tank, and you’d be hard pressed to find any firearm that will last as long and take as much punishment.
The PSA Dagger is a striker-fired handgun that is designed for self-defense and concealed carry. It features a 3.8-inch barrel and a 15-round capacity, and is available in 9mm. The Dagger has a smooth trigger pull and a comfortable grip, and best part about this gun works with standard Glock parts. It is also highly affordable (just under $300), making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Overall, the PSA Dagger is a solid entry into the crowded market of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, with a number of features that make it stand out from the competition.
“If you are a fan of the Glock G19, then this gun will be totally familiar to you from the get-go. However, if you’re not familiar with the G19, then this gun might come as a pleasant surprise. It doesn’t matter which camp you’re in ― the Lone Wolf LTD-9 is a gun that will put its bullets where it looks and will last a while. I think you owe it to yourself to give this Wolf a try.” – Mike Hardesty
The Polymer80 PFC9 was one of the first mainstream Gen 3 Glock clones, and it remains a solid option for people who want Glock compatibility with improved features. Updated ergonomics and grip texture mean you no longer have to stipple your Glock yourself or send it off, and a full Picatinny rail allows for better accessory mounting. These guns are good as-is, but are great bases for anyone looking to get into the Glock modding scene.
The Steyr L9-A2 MF is the second generation of Steyr’s M-series of striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns. These pistols have a 17+1 capacity, a 4.5-inch barrel, and a fairly crisp trigger that breaks at around 4.5 pounds. Shooters will enjoy a very high grip and an extremely low bore axis thanks to the aggressive ergonomic choices and grip angle of the L9-A2. Trapezoidal sights, adjustable backstraps, adjustable palm swell panels, and a flared magwell are among the other features found on these guns. All of these features make for a very flat-shooting and soft-recoiling pistol that rides securely in the hand.
The Patrol SL is a true duty rifle offering from SOLGW. It features a 4150 CrMOV 1:7 MPI HPT barrel built to SOLGW’s specs, an A5 buffer system, Liberty Fighting Trigger, and B5 furniture. The Patrol SL makes use of a fixed A2 front sight block and includes a Midwest Industries adjustable rear sight. These are built to a high standard with strict quality control and are suitable for anything from recreational range use to hard duty cycles.
The Savage Stance is the first pistol in Savage’s lineup in over 100 years. At just under 1 inch thick with a 7 or 8+1 single stack magazine, the Stance is made to be easily concealable. The front of the slide is beveled for a snag-free draw and easy reholstering, and the 360-degree aggressive grip texture ensures comfort and controllability. Wide slide serrations ensure easy manipulation of the gun. Additional models include various different colors, night sights, and external safety versions.
Harrington & Richardson’s 723-style is a pre-M4 carbine that oozes retro cool. Modelled after the Colt 723, H&R got just about everything right. A fixed A1 carry handle, period-correct furniture, and the correct barrel profile make this gun an excellent retro shooter and an ideal base for cloning specific builds of the era.
The PSA AK-104 is a carbine-length version of Palmetto State Armory’s AK-103. We had a hiccup involving the mainspring, but once we resolved it our AK-104 shot well. It’s an interesting firearm for people who want to be a little different without paying the big bucks for a true AK-104 clone.
